Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Dark Side” BCA Barrel Pick at ACE Liquor Center (Arkansas Release)

Last Updated on February 19, 2026 by Justin Jones

PUBLISH DATE: February 19, 2026

The Arkansas bourbon community continues to produce standout private barrel selections, and the latest release from the Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) and ACE Liquor Center brings a powerful counterpart to an earlier pick. The Bourbon Club of Arkansas has built a reputation for selecting high-quality single barrels, with previous picks gaining strong recognition among Arkansas bourbon enthusiasts.

The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Dark Side” Private Barrel arrives as a high-proof, double-digit aged selection from Heaven Hill Distillery’s Elijah Craig line.

This release serves as the darker companion to the previously released “Light Side Rebel Barrel,” with both barrels reportedly aged in the same rickhouse and dumped on the same day.

Elijah Craig “Dark Side” Barrel Pick Details

Brand: Elijah Craig
Expression: Barrel Proof Private Selection
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Age: 10 Years
Proof: 129.5
Selection: Bourbon Club of Arkansas & ACE Liquor Center
Retail Price: $79.99 + tax

Bourbon Club of Arkansas Barrel Picks Explained

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof selections are known for delivering bold, uncut bourbon straight from the barrel. At 129.5 proof, the “Dark Side” barrel falls squarely in the range that many enthusiasts seek for maximum flavor intensity.

Private selections like this allow local groups and retailers to choose a single barrel they believe represents the best profile available at the time. In Arkansas, organizations such as the Bourbon Club of Arkansas have built a strong reputation for identifying standout barrels, with many of their picks receiving recognition in national competitions.

With a 10-year age statement and a barrel-proof presentation, the Dark Side release is positioned as a rich and powerful counterpart to the earlier Light Side barrel.

Where to Find This Barrel in Arkansas

The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Dark Side” private barrel was released through ACE Liquor Center in February 2026 at a retail price of $79.99 plus tax.

This particular release was exclusive to members of the Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) and was not available as a general public release.

🔄 April 2026 Update: First Review of the “Dark Side” Barrel

As of April 9, 2026, the first detailed review of the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Dark Side” private barrel has surfaced from Arkansas-based reviewer Casks-n-Que.

This marks one of the earliest documented tasting notes for this Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) and ACE Liquor Center selection.

Below is the review quoted in full:

ArkansasLiquor.com Analysis

This early review reinforces expectations for a 10-year, 129.5 proof Elijah Craig Barrel Proof pick, highlighting a profile driven by oak, caramel, dark fruit, and classic Heaven Hill Distillery warmth.

An 8/10 rating places the “Dark Side” barrel firmly in the upper tier of private selections, especially when compared to other recent Arkansas picks.

For those who secured a bottle through the Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA), this review suggests the barrel delivers exactly what enthusiasts expect from Elijah Craig at barrel proof:
big heat, big flavor, and a long, oak-forward finish.

About Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig is one of the flagship bourbon brands produced by Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Named after the 18th-century Baptist preacher often credited in bourbon folklore with pioneering charred oak barrels, the brand has become one of the most widely respected bourbons in the premium small batch and barrel-proof category.

The Elijah Craig Barrel Proof series, first released in 2013, is particularly popular among enthusiasts because it is bottled uncut and non-chill filtered, allowing the whiskey to retain its full strength and flavor profile.

Elijah Craig “Dark Side” Barrel Pick FAQ (BCA & Arkansas Release Details)

What is the Elijah Craig “Dark Side” barrel pick?

The Elijah Craig “Dark Side” is a private single barrel selected by the Bourbon Club of Arkansas in partnership with ACE Liquor Center. It is a limited-release Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bourbon, chosen for its unique flavor profile and bottled at full strength without dilution.

What proof is the Elijah Craig Dark Side barrel?

This Elijah Craig Barrel Proof “Dark Side” release was bottled at 129.5 proof, delivering a high-proof, full-flavor bourbon experience typical of private barrel selections.

How old is the Elijah Craig Dark Side barrel pick?

The “Dark Side” barrel is a 10-year Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, aligning with many Elijah Craig Barrel Proof private selections sourced from Heaven Hill.

Where was the Elijah Craig Dark Side barrel sold in Arkansas?

The barrel was released exclusively through ACE Liquor Center, with access primarily offered to Bourbon Club of Arkansas members.

How much did the Elijah Craig Dark Side barrel cost?

The retail price for the Elijah Craig “Dark Side” barrel pick was $79.99, which is in line with many Elijah Craig Barrel Proof private selections at the time of release.

Is the Elijah Craig Dark Side barrel still available?

No — like most private barrel picks, the Elijah Craig “Dark Side” release was extremely limited and is now sold out. Availability was restricted and driven by BCA member participation.

What makes BCA Elijah Craig barrel picks special?

Barrel picks from the Bourbon Club of Arkansas are selected through group tastings and are known for emphasizing bold, high-proof flavor profiles. These selections often differ significantly from standard Elijah Craig releases due to unique barrel characteristics.

Is this the same as regular Elijah Craig Barrel Proof?

No. While it is part of the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof lineup, the “Dark Side” is a private barrel selection, meaning it comes from a single barrel chosen specifically by BCA rather than a batched release distributed nationally.

Can non-members purchase BCA barrel picks?

Typically, Bourbon Club of Arkansas barrel picks are offered first to members, with any remaining bottles (if available) released to the public. Most highly anticipated releases sell out before reaching general availability.

What flavor profile does the Elijah Craig Dark Side barrel have?

While individual tasting notes vary, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof private picks like “Dark Side” often feature rich notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, baking spice, and dark sweetness, with a warm, lingering finish due to the high proof.